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Revolutionary Snake Ensemble: Forked Tongue
ByRSE is the brainchild of alto saxophonist Ken Field, whose resume includes everything from post-punk (he’s a longtime member of Birdsongs of the Mesozoic) to classical composition to Sesame Street. While the seven-piece band (four horns, bass, drums and percussion) has been performing together in various guises for nearly 20 years, Forked Tongue is only its second release. The album covers a dizzying range of music from reinventions of spirituals like “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” “Give Me Jesus” and “Down By the Riverside” (with stirring vocals from guest Gabrielle Agachicko) to high-spirited Field originals. Meanwhile, Coleman’s “Chippie” is recast as a carnival-esque jam while “Que Sera Sera,” a lighthearted hit for Day in the ‘50s, becomes an unlikely party tune with an infectious Big Easy street beat. And really, who can resist a group that turns Idol’s ‘80s MTV staple “White Wedding” (which allegedly entered the band’s book when they were hired to play a wedding for a family named White) into an avant-funk free for all?
Beyond the novelty of the repertoire, RSE impresses with its tight grooves and energetic improvisations, as well as its commitment to tearing down walls between genres and making music that’s fun, funky and smart.
Track Listing
Just A Closer Walk; Slots; Little Lisa Jane; The Large S; Chippie; Give Me Jesus; Down By The Riverside; Que Sera Sera; White Wedding; Minor Vee.
Personnel
Revolutionary Snake Ensemble
band / ensemble / orchestraKen Field: alto saxophone, whistles, percussion, clapping; Jon Fraser: trumpet; Andrew Hickman: tenor saxophone; Kimon Kirk: acoustic bass; Phil Neighbors: drums, percussion, electric bass; Eric Paull: drums, percussion; Gabrielle Agachiko: vocals; Karen Aqua: djembe, tambourine, clapping; Andy Pinkham: electric bass, clapping; Lennie Peterson: trombone; Jesse Williams: bass.
Album information
Title: Forked Tongue | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Cuneiform Records
Comments
About Revolutionary Snake Ensemble
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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